Company G, 51st Regiment
North Carolina Infantry
Harmon Fowler of Columbus County, NC

From NC Civil War Soldiers Index
“The 51st Infantry Regiment was organized at Wilmington, North Carolina, in
April, 1862, with men recruited in the counties of Cumberland, Sampson, Duplin,
Columbus, Robeson, and New Hanover. It was assigned to General Clingman's
Brigade and served under him for the duration of the war. After fighting at Goldsboro,
it moved to the Charleston area and was prominent in the defense of Battery Wagner.
The 51st was then ordered to Virginia, participated in the battles at Drewry's Bluff and
Cold Harbor, and endured the hardships of the Petersburg siege south and north of
the James River. Returning to North Carolina, it saw action at Bentonville. On July
18, 1863, this regiment lost 16 killed and 52 wounded at Battery Wagner and in
August contained 374 effectives. In May, 1864, it contained 1,100 men, and in
October there were 145 present. During that time the 51st lost in killed and
wounded 160 at Drewry's Bluff, 194 at Cold Harbor, and 104 at Fort Harrison.
Very few surrendered with the Army of Tennessee.”
End NC Civil War Soldiers Index quote.
From North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865, Company G, 51st Regiment…
Fowler, Harmon - Private - Born in Horry District, SC and resided in Columbus
County where he was by occupation a farmer prior to enlisting in Columbus
County at age 35, February 2, 1863 for the war. Present or accounted for through
February, 1864. Reported absent on detached service with the Engineer Corps in
May-December, 1864. Survived the war.
End North Carolina Troops: 1861-1865 quote.
Harmon Fowler was born September 2, 1827, the son of Luke and Mary Fowler.
He married Lydia Harper, a daughter of Willis and Amy Harper. Harmon and
Lydia were the parents of Ada Mahala Fowler Stephens, John Morrison Fowler,
William “Bill” Monroe Fowler, Mary M. Fowler Fowler, A. Collier Fowler, Sarah
M. Fowler, and Anzeline Fowler Watts.
Harmon’s brother, Laban Fowler, also served in Company G, 51st Regiment.
Laban’s rank was Corporal.
Harmon died March 20, 1902. He was buried at the George Fowler Cemetery
near Tabor City, NC. At one point, his tombstone was broken, lying flat on the
ground, and almost illegible. It has been cleaned and stood upright. The lower
portion of the old tombstone is missing. A memorial tombstone will be placed
in his honor.
The government marker was requested by Jason Bordeaux, 4th great-
grandson of Harmon Fowler. The form was prepared by Layton Dowless of
Whiteville, NC. Mr. Dowless has marked the graves of nearly 100 veterans who
proudly served in the Civil War, The War of 1812, or the Revolutionary War.
The marker was placed on February 25th, 2007.